Shop Local Support Small Business

Shop Local
Support Small Business

Story by Gain Parsons

There’s no shortage of great places to shop for the holidays in Bryan County. We’re excited to highlight some of our unique, locally-owned gems. Whether you’re checking off your gift list or treating yourself, these small businesses have something for everyone.

Established in 1793, Bryan County is one of the oldest counties in Georgia. It is known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. It features a mix of rural areas, suburban developments, and the new Hyundai electric vehicle plant.

While boasting a quiet lifestyle, Bryan County has
no shortage of local shopping and restaurant choices.

Parks, historic sites, and recreational areas, including Fort McAllister State Park, the History Museum, and the iconic Ford Plantation round out a trip to Byran County.

While in Richmond Hill, people will find an assortment of restaurants to end a day of shopping and sightseeing. One of the local favorites is Fish Tales at the Fort McAllister Marina, overlooking the Great Ogeechee River.

In Pembroke, the Downtown Development Authority works to ensure Downtown Pembroke is an economically sustainable, vibrant, and welcoming gathering place. They promote growth and prosperity while maintaining and preserving the city’s cultural and historic character.

Owens Supply Company

Any remodeling job should start with a stop at Owens Supply Company. This family-owned business is a leading provider of kitchen and bathroom design solutions. An experienced team of designers can help with the creative process and provide advice and guidance on layout, materials, appliances, cabinetry, and more.

Owens Supply Company is known for its flooring across the country and into the Caribbean with shipments going out daily. Shoppers can get top-of-the-line floors without top-of-the-line prices. They will find Owens Supply Company mentioned in top flooring social media groups nationally. Those looking to just spruce up a little will find a full line of Valspar and Cabot paints and all the supplies needed to give the walls a fresh coat.

Whether preparing for a building project, putting up a pole barn, or in need of windows and doors, with a full line of lumber and building materials products, people will find what they need at competitive prices.

912.653.2331 | www.owenssupplycompany.com | 769 E. Bacon St., Pembroke

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 7:30am-5pm; Sat. 8am-4pm; Sun: Closed

Taco Depot

While the Taco Depot offers a wide variety of taco dishes, they also have a full menu of Mexican specialties. Locally owned and operated by Shannon Thurston, the family-operated business started when the Thurston’s purchased the former Pichos Mexican Restaurant. With Shannon’s love for Mexican Food and his wife Tami’s hometown roots, they collaborated with a Mexican chef to bring authentic Mexican cuisine to Pembroke.

Tami and Chef Kevin Castro worked together at Pichos. Castro is now the chef at Taco Depot. Using a menu created with original recipes handed down from his uncle Chuy, Castro and the team use only fresh ingredients. Chuy who also owns a restaurant in Mexico started at Taco Depot when they opened in May 2023.

912.653.3663 | www.tacodepot31321.com | 11 W. Railroad St, Pembroke

Hours: Mon.-Wed.: 11am-8pm; Thurs.-Sat.: 11am-9pm; Sun.: 11am-6pm

Three Lemons

Situated at the end of a Ford Avenue strip mall Three Lemons Café gets high reviews on popular review sites. This Korean-owned café has adequate seating for people to take a break and enjoy the fresh-baked ethnically inspired pastries. The menu is frequently updated and changed and includes sweet and savory options.

Customer favorites include the croissants; the croffle, which is a croissant cooked in a waffle maker rather than baked, and topped with cream cheese; the boba tea, which comes in a variety of flavors; and the imported Korean coffee.

912.445.0042 | 10064 Ford Ave., Suite 0-2, Richmond Hill

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 6am-2:30pm; Sat. 7am-2:30pm; Sun.: Closed

Pembroke Pharmacy Boutique & Gifts

Kent and Malory Kicklighter started in the pharmacy industry in 2015 with the purchase of Twin City Drug Co. A few years later they purchased the Pembroke Pharmacy. As a full-service pharmacy, they offer all medications, vitamins, and some vaccinations. They can also set customers up on a med sync program, which allows people to pick up all their medications on the same day each month.

With a love for clothes, jewelry, and all things fashion-related, Malory added a boutique to the Twin City Drug Co., which she later moved to the Pembroke location.

In addition to the normal pharmacy offerings, the Pembroke Pharmacy and Boutique carries a wide variety of clothing in the latest styles for men, women, and youth. Shoppers can finish out their look with an assortment of jewelry, handbags, wallets, and accessories. A full line of game-day apparel lets people show their Georgia athletic spirit.

912.653.2772 | pembrokepharmacyboutique.com | 137 E. Bacon St., Pembroke

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9am-6pm; Sat. 9am - 1pm; Sun: Closed

Southern Sportsman

Located inside the Pembroke Pharmacy and Boutique, Southern Sportsman is the local outdoor sportsman’s home for equipment and supplies.

Owner Kent Kicklighter took over the store in 2019 when he and his wife Malory purchased the building for their pharmacy and boutique. Since that time, they have increased the selection of handguns, long guns, ammunition, hunting and fishing supplies, and camouflage they keep in stock.

912.653.2772 | 137 E Bacon St, Pembroke | Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9am-6pm; Sat.: 9am-1pm; Sun.: Closed

Sugar on Main

Sugar on Main is serving up sweet and savory treats in the heart of Pembroke. Build-your-own salads, sandwiches, and wraps are on the menu but don’t fill up on savory because there are several sweet treats to choose from.

Baked goods include cookies, cupcakes, cake, and muffins; and there is an assortment of ice cream, toppings, smoothies, and snow cones. They also serve up old-fashioned milkshakes, coffee, and hot chocolate. Not forgetting about the furry members of the family, Sugar on Main also has pup treats on the menu.

912.653.6246 | 62 W. Bacon St., Pembroke

Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 11am-7pm; Wed., Sat.: 11am-4pm; Sun.: Closed

Poppy Hill Spa

A trip to Poppy Hill Spa provides a time for pampering and rejuvenation of the body and soul. A team of specialists are on hand to provide any one of an array of massages including therapeutic, hot stone, warm bamboo, prenatal, and deep tissue. If a client’s needs do not fit into one of the pre-designed packages, people can work with a massage therapist to create their own combination of techniques.

Facials, peels, body wraps, waxing, lymphatic drainage, body sculpting, and permanent makeup are also included on the spa’s extensive menu of offerings.

912.239.5380 | poppyhillspa.com | 405 Harris Trail Road, Suite C & D, Richmond Hill

Hours: Mon.: Closed; Tues.-Thurs.: 10am-7pm; Fri.-Sat.: 10am-5pm; Sun.: By appointment

Amber & Fig

Right in the heart of Richmond Hill’s Historic District is Amber & Fig, a boutique featuring women-owned and American-made clothing and accessories. Owner Amber Dryden brings her passion for fashion into every decision she makes about what merchandise she offers. Keeping up with the latest looks, her brick-and-mortar and her online shop offers a range of dresses, rompers, and separates. To add a custom touch to any look, customers can choose from a selection of Charm Bar charms for necklaces and bracelets.

Dryden’s customer service extends after the sale with blog postings to help people care for delicate fabrics, faux leather, white denim, and more.

912.459.0172 | shopamberfig.com | 10646 B Ford Ave., Richmond Hill, GA

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10am-6:30pm; Sat.: 10am-4pm; Sun.: Closed

Drunken Panther Tattoo

Drunken Panther Tattoo owner Jason Covington employs a team of award-winning tattoo artists who bring experience and passion to every piece of art they create. Whether looking for a small intricate design or a large elaborate piece of art, the artists at Drunken Panther will start with a consultation and create a unique masterpiece individually tailored to their client’s vision.

Their services don’t stop with the tattoo. Covington and his artists will guide their clients through important aftercare procedures to ensure a positive tattoo experience.

At the turn of the year Drunken Panther will begin offering piercings as well, making them the only place in Richmond Hill to have that service. Covington said he plans for the shop offer every type of piercing allowable under Georgia state law but interested people should call to ensure there is someone on staff available to perform the exact service they are looking for.

912-715-8754 | www.DrunkenPantherTattoo.com | 9701 Ford Ave., Suite D, Richmond Hill

Hours: Mon.: By appointment; Tues.-Thurs.: 12-8pm; Fri., Sat.: 12-10pm; Sun.: Closed

Game Changers

Since 2012 Game Changers Running Company has helped athletes and sports enthusiasts find the gear they need to perform at their best.

Finding the right shoe is about a lot more than just what looks good on the shelf. Knowing that comfort is a great motivation for people to run, walk, and exercise more, they use specialized technology to analyze a person’s foot type and make recommendations for the right shoe.

Game Changers also hosts runs and casual walks at Richmond Hill and at their other two locations on St. Simons Island and Amelia Island.

Owner John Cameron said he is proud that Game Changers is a consistent winner of The Running Event’s annual America’s Best Running Stores award.

912.445.2163 | www.gamechangersrunningcompany.com | 8872 Ford Ave., Ste 207, Richmond Hill

Hours: Mon., Wednes., Fri.: 10am-7pm; Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun.: 12-5pm

Outside of Bryan County but within an easy drive are other small businesses worth a visit in Pooler and Effingham County, including: